Kano computer kit: Build a PC from scratch

There are kids’ toys and there are mind-blowing kids’ toys like Lego Mindstorms and Elenco Snap Circuits, where the young ones are encouraged to build their own projects from scratch. A startup wants to step it up by letting kids (and some adults) create their own computer.

The Kano computer kit allows kids from 5 to 95 assemble a personal computer from separate components and even learn basic coding skills to develop their own games. The kit makes use of a Raspberry Pi computing module and comes with a keyboard, a speaker, a power plug, HDMI, mini-USB cables, an 8GB SD card, a custom case, and two instruction manuals. All you need now is a monitor to plug the HDMI cable with.

Once the physical parts are connected together, kids can then learn coding and visual programming through Kano’s own open-source operating system, as well as Kano Blocks that allows children to create games (such as Minecraft and Snake) and other software using code blocks.

With 23 days left in its Kickstarter campaign, the Kano computer kit has able to garner over $715,000, which is seven times more than what they ask from backers. The kit costs $119 and is scheduled to ship worldwide beginning July 2014.